Mixed set of letter boxes and parcels and method for delivering parcels at such a mixed set

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mixed set (1) of mailboxes (2) and parcel box(es) (3, 3', 3") comprising at least a plurality of mailboxes (2) and at least two parcel box(es) (3, 3', 3") shared and temporarily assignable.This mixed assembly (1) is characterized in that it comprises a key box (6) for the return and storage of the key(s) of the parcel box(es) (3, 3', 3"), this box (6) having an access door (6') equipped with an electric lock with a control element (7), in that each of the locks of the doors (4) of the mailboxes (2) is mechanically operable, but also electrically at least on opening by means of a respective control element (8), and in that said mixed assembly (1) further comprises a module (1') for global access control and selective power supply of the mixed-operated locks of the mailboxes (2) and of the electric lock of the key box(es) (6), the control elements (7 and 8) being advantageously of the contact or pressure type.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of equipment for mail distribution and parcel delivery, particularly in apartment buildings or specific locations grouping distribution points for multiple recipients. It concerns a mixed system of mailboxes and parcel boxes comprising, associated with separate compartments, on the one hand, at least a plurality of individual mailboxes or mailboxes each assigned to a specific owner and, on the other hand, at least one, preferably at least two, shared parcel boxes temporarily assigned to the owner of one of the aforementioned mailboxes. It also concerns a method for delivering parcels to such a mixed system.

[0002] In particular, with the advent of e-commerce and the increase in online purchases and therefore parcel deliveries to individuals, the need for more numerous and / or larger parcel boxes is becoming increasingly urgent, both in new constructions and in the context of the rehabilitation or improvement of existing buildings.

[0003] Numerous technologically sophisticated electronic solutions for managing such parcel boxes are already known, particularly in connection with e-concierge services. Less sophisticated solutions using electronic or digital locks also exist. Finally, entirely mechanical solutions are also known, notably the one disclosed in French patent application FR 3 148 519 A1 filed by the applicant.

[0004] Faced with these known proposals, some of which have already been implemented, the present invention has set itself the goal of proposing a compromise solution, capable of exploiting the potential of mailboxes to receive parcels, technologically simple, offering high security for the delivery of parcels and simple to use for the delivery person and the recipient user, and preferably dimensionally flexible.

[0005] To this end, the invention relates to a mixed set of mailboxes and parcel box(es) comprising, associated with respective separate compartments, on the one hand, at least a plurality of individual mailboxes or mailboxes each assigned to a specific owner and, on the other hand, at least one, preferably at least two, shared parcel box(es) temporarily assignable to an owner of one of the aforementioned mailboxes, the doors of the mailboxes and parcel box(es) having locks operable by keys and said mixed set advantageously also comprising a human / machine interface for command and control, mixed set characterized in that it comprises a key box for the return and storage of the key(s) of the parcel box(es), this box having an access door equipped with an electric lock with at least one control element for opening,in that each of the mailbox door locks, comprising a mechanical locking mechanism, is also electrically operable, at least when opening, by means of a respective control device, and in that said mixed assembly further comprises a module for overall access control and selective power supply to the mixed-operation mailbox locks and the electric lock of the key box(es), the control devices advantageously being of the contact, sensitive or pressure type.

[0006] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: [ Fig. 1A ], [ Fig. 1B ] And [ Fig. 1C ] are front elevation views of mixed assemblies according to three different embodiments of the invention; [ Fig. 2 ] is a partial front elevation view of a fourth embodiment of a mixed assembly according to the invention; [ Fig. 3 [ ] is a perspective view of one embodiment of the compartment containing the global access control and selective power supply module and the key box, and which can be part of one of the mixed assemblies shown figures 1 And 2 as an alternative implementation; Fig. 4 ] is a perspective view of the alveolus of the figure 3 with its outer casing partially removed; Fig. 5 ] is a perspective view of the compartment containing the global access control and selective power supply module and the key box, and forming part of the mixed assembly shown figures 1C ; Fig. 6 [ ] is a perspective view of a mailbox that is part of one of the mixed sets shown figures 1 And 2 ; Fig. 7A] et [Fig. 7B ] are perspective views of the mailbox of the figure 6 , the door being in the open position; Fig. 8A ] And [ Fig. 8B ] are respectively partial perspective and elevation views illustrating the mechanical and electromechanical components of the lock equipping the mailbox of figures 6 And 7 , according to a first embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 9A] et [Fig. 9B ] are detailed perspective views illustrating the interaction between the mechanical and electromechanical components of the lock equipping the mailbox of figures 6 à 8 , according to a first variant of the implementation; [ Fig. 10A] et [Fig. 10B ] are detailed perspective views illustrating the interaction between the mechanical and electromechanical components of the lock equipping the mailbox of figures 6 à 8 , according to a second embodiment; [ Fig. 11 ] is a partial perspective and elevation view illustrating the mechanical and electrical components of the lock fitted to the mailbox of figures 6 And 7 , according to a second embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 12A ] And [ Fig. 12B ] are detailed views of the object of the figure 11 illustrating two different positions of the mechanical lock; [ Fig. 13 ] represents a flowchart of the possible steps in a method for delivering a parcel to a mailbox or parcel box, according to a first embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 14 ] represents a flowchart of the possible steps in a method for delivering a package to a mailbox, according to a second embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 15 [ ] represents a flowchart of the possible steps in a process for retrieving a package deposited in a mailbox according to the first or second embodiment of the illustrated invention figure 13 Or 14 ; Fig. 16 ] is a schematic representation of a power supply circuit for a mixed assembly according to the invention; [ Fig. 17 ] is a schematic representation of an electrical power supply circuit for a mailbox forming part of a mixed assembly according to the invention (developed view of detail A of the figure 16 (on another scale); [ Fig. 18A ] And [ Fig. 18B ] are perspective views of an embodiment of a parcel box key, with its key ring, respectively in retracted and deployed (by pivoting) positions, forming part of the mixed assembly according to the invention.

[0007] THE figures 1 , and partially the figure 2 , show different realizations of a mixed set (1) of mailboxes (2) and parcel box(es) (3, 3', 3").

[0008] This mixed assembly (1) comprises, associated with their respective separate compartments, on the one hand, at least one plurality of individual mailboxes (2) or mailboxes each assigned to a specific owner and, on the other hand, at least one, preferably at least two, parcel box(es) (3, 3', 3") shared and temporarily assigned to the owner of one of the aforementioned mailboxes (2). Furthermore, the doors (4, 5) of the mailboxes (2) and parcel box(es) (3, 3', 3") have locks (4', 5') operable by keys, and said mixed assembly (1) advantageously also includes a human-machine interface (11) for command and control.

[0009] According to the invention, this mixed assembly (1) further comprises a key box (6) for the return and storage of the key(s) (5") for the parcel box(es) (3, 3', 3"), this box (6) having an access door (6') equipped with an electric lock (6") with a control element (7). In addition, each of the locks (4') on the doors (4) of the mailboxes (2) is (in addition to its mechanical opening capability) also electrically operable, at least when its mechanical locking element is opened, by means of a respective control element (8). Finally, said mixed assembly (1) further comprises a module (1') for overall access control and selective power supply to the mixed-operated locks (4') of the mailboxes (2) and the electric lock (6") of the key box (6), the control elements (7 and 8) being advantageously of the contact, sensitive or pressure type.

[0010] Thanks to these provisions, the invention provides a low-tech (specifically, low-software) hybrid system (1) that leverages the potential of mailboxes for receiving parcels, optimizes the use of parcel boxes through temporary or short-term allocation based on delivery needs, and offers high security for parcel delivery (in addition to dedicated parcel boxes), while remaining user-friendly for both the delivery person and the recipient. Furthermore, the proposed solution is easily modular and dimensionally flexible (allowing for the addition of extra parcel boxes) and can be implemented as part of a renovation or expansion of an existing system.

[0011] It is easy to understand that a parcel delivery person (mail carrier or other), after being authenticated by the access control module (1') and after the module has activated the power supply to the locks (4') on the mailbox doors and the lock (6") on the key box, can either i) directly deposit their parcel(s) in the recipient's mailbox after opening the corresponding door with a simple press / contact, or ii) take a key (5") from the key box (door opened with a simple press / contact), open the door of the chosen available parcel box, deposit the parcel inside, and then place the key (5") in the recipient's mailbox. By favoring option i) when possible, the use of parcel boxes is reduced, and their number can therefore be limited.

[0012] The mixed assembly (1) advantageously comprises several (at least two) parcel boxes (3, 3', 3"), of the same or different sizes. These parcel boxes (3, 3', 3") may or may not be constructively integrated with the mailboxes (2) within the same frame structure, or may at least partially form a separate, albeit proximal, or even adjoining, structure, possibly added later. Preferably, and to promote a technologically simple solution, the lock of the parcel box(es) (3, 3', 3") is exclusively mechanical.

[0013] The control elements (7 and 8) may include push buttons or touch surfaces.

[0014] The keys for opening, and possibly closing, the doors (4) of the mailboxes (2) and the keys (5") for opening, and possibly closing, the parcel boxes (3, 3', 3") are preferably keys for mechanical locks (4', 5'). This solution limits the complexity and cost of the combined system. However, at least one of these two types of keys may alternatively consist of a contactless key type (badges, cards, etc.), and the corresponding locks (4', 5') may be electrically operated locks associated with a reader, either common to all the boxes (2; 3, 3', 3") or specific to each of the boxes (2; 3, 3', 3"). The locks on the mailbox doors (2) and / or the parcel boxes (3, 3', 3") may optionally be of the "slam" type (automatic locking in the closed position).However, when the size of at least some of the parcel boxes (3, 3', 3") is such that a child can fit inside, a mechanical lock with a key is preferred.

[0015] According to one feature of the invention, the mixed-operated locks (4') of the mailbox doors (4) (2) each comprise, on the one hand, a mechanical lock (9) operable with a suitable key and, on the other hand, an electromechanical lock (9') or an electric actuator (9") controlled to open by a corresponding opening control element (8), each mixed-operated lock (4') of a door (4) also comprising a mechanical locking element (10) for that door (4) in the closed position, which can be moved by means of the suitable key or the corresponding control element (8), at least to its open or released configuration or position (see figures 7 à 12 ). The bolts (25) of the electromechanical locks (9') may be of the snap-lock type ( figures 8 ).

[0016] In accordance with a first variant of the implementation, which emerges as an example from figures 7 à 10 , the electromechanical lock (9') includes a trigger (19) for actuation on opening or release of the locking member (10), the mechanical lock (9) including a cam (20) capable of interacting with this trigger (19), the closing or engagement of the locking member (10) taking place automatically on the closing of the door (4) concerned.

[0017] In accordance with a second variant of the implementation, which is given as an example of figures 11 And 12, the mixed-action lock (4') includes a locking element (10) in the form of a slide, the mechanical lock (9) and the electric actuator (9") comprising a respective cam (20, 20') kinematically connected to said slide (10), the latter being able to be moved into the locking position and into the unlocking position by the mechanical lock (9) or the electric actuator (9"), by the latter where appropriate automatically after the elapsed time following the closing of the door (4) concerned.

[0018] As is apparent from figures 1 à 5 , the human / machine interface (11) may advantageously include, on the one hand, the control element (7) of the access door (6') of the key box (6) (5"), and / or, on the other hand, the module (1') for global access control and selective power supply of the locks (4') of the letterboxes (2) and of the electric lock (6") of the key box(es) (6), this interface (11) being advantageously constructively integrated into said mixed assembly (1), for example in a compartment (21) having the dimensions of a letterbox (2).

[0019] In accordance with two possible construction variants, illustrated for the first one on the figure 2 and for the second one on the figures 1 The electrically operated control devices (8) for the opening of the doors (4) of the various mailboxes (2) are either, in accordance with the first variant, all grouped together at the human-machine interface (11) of said mixed assembly (1), or each mounted individually on the door (4) whose opening it controls, in accordance with the second variant. A mixed solution is of course also conceivable.

[0020] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated in the figures 1 à 5 In various construction variants, the access door (6') of the key box (6) for returning and storing the key(s) (5") of the parcel box(es) (3, 3', 3") has at least one opening (12) for inserting at least one type of key (5") into the box (6). Furthermore, said box (6) contains at least one device (13) for the orderly reception, and optionally the transfer, preferably guided and advantageously aided by gravity, of each key (9) that has passed through the corresponding opening (12). In addition, the device (13), and the key(s) (5") it may contain, is accessible only when the access door (6') of the key box (6) is open, with the extraction of a key (5") from the device (13) occurring at a vertically downward offset relative to at the opening (12) of key(s) insertion.

[0021] Such a fully mechanical embodiment makes it possible to achieve simple, efficient and secure management of shared parcel boxes (3, 3', 3"), without using any electronic intelligence, or even requiring a power supply.

[0022] In each device (13), only the keys (5") for the available parcel boxes (3, 3', 3") (free boxes) are present and available to the mail carrier or delivery person. Furthermore, the key (5") handing-out / distribution system, of the "first in, first out" type, resulting from the ordered arrangement of said keys in the receiving and transfer rails or chutes of the devices (13), allows for a rotation of use of the parcel boxes (3, 3', 3").

[0023] Advantageously, and as shown by example by figures 4 , 5 And 18, each key (5") for parcel box (3, 3', 3"), consisting of a key for mechanical lock or a badge for electronic lock depending on the type of locks (5') equipping the doors (5) of the parcel boxes (3, 3', 3"), is associated with a key fob (14), preferably with at least one informational message or indication, signaling the presence of a parcel in the parcel box (3, 3', 3") corresponding to that key (5") and advantageously providing the identification of the parcel box (3, 3', 3") concerned, said key fob (14) being able to further include an additional message inviting the key (5") concerned to be returned to the key box (6) after collection of the parcel.

[0024] In accordance with a versatile mixed set (1), and as shown by figures 1A And 1CThe latter advantageously comprises at least two types or sizes of parcel boxes (3 and 3'), or optionally at least three types or sizes of parcel boxes (3, 3', and 3"), for example, of different sizes, and as many different types of keys (5"). Furthermore, an orderly key receiving and transfer device (13) (5") is provided for each type or size of parcel box (3, 3'), the key(s) (5") for each type of parcel box (3, 3', 3") being assembled with a corresponding specific type of key ring (14), advantageously forming a keying device. The at least two parcel boxes may also be of different types or constructions, and, for example, at least one may be thermally insulated, structurally reinforced (possibly armored), or watertight.

[0025] Similarly and in accordance with different parcel boxes, it may be provided that the mixed set (1) comprises at least two distinct types of key fob (14) having different shapes and / or at least one different dimension(s), each type of key fob being associated with a type or format of parcel box (3, 3', 3"), and that the access door (6') of the key box (6) has as many entry openings (12) as there are distinct types of key fob (14), each opening (12) having a shape allowing the passage of only one type of key fob (14) and cooperating with an associated orderly receiving and proper transfer device (13).

[0026] As illustrated on the figures 18 As an example, each key fob (14) may be in the form of a token or a plate, preferably of rounded or circular shape, this token or plate forming the body of the badge for electronic lock or comprising a housing in which the key for mechanical lock can be retracted, for example by pivoting and / or translation.

[0027] Preferably, and in the interest of constructive standardization, emerging from figures 1 à 5 , the module (1') for global access control and selective power supply of the locks (4') of the mailboxes (2) and of the electric lock (6") of the key box(es) (6), forming part of the human / machine interface (11) for the control and monitoring of the mixed assembly (1), is mounted, with the key box (6) and / or with the remote electrical control devices (8) for the doors (4') of the different mailboxes (2), and advantageously with means (15) for powering the mixed assembly (1), in a compartment (21) integrated into this mixed assembly (1).

[0028] Depending on the technical solution chosen, the global access control and selective power supply module (1') includes at least one of the following: a numeric keypad (18), a contact or contactless reader (18') (for example, for smartphones, digital assistants, or badges), a biometric reader (for example, for fingerprints or other types of identification), an optical reader, for example, for QR codes, a receiver for secure short-range radio wave transmission (for example, a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth reader), a receiver for secure transmission via light or sound waves, and a secure lock (18") for a universal key of the "Postal Master" type. Of course, to achieve more versatile operation, several of the aforementioned means may be present simultaneously.

[0029] As shown by figures 7 And 11In connection with a construction facilitating delivery and collection, the doors (4) of the letterboxes (2) and the access door (6') of the key box (6), as well as possibly the doors (5) of the parcel boxes (3, 3', 3"), particularly when equipped with electric locks, shall include at least one means (16) for automatically ejecting the door (4, 5, 6') concerned upon opening, for example, electrically, pneumatically, or by spring. This means (16) may, for example, consist of an ejector pin comprising a body attached to the compartment and in which is mounted a spring-loaded axle intended to push back the door.

[0030] In order to prevent access to a mailbox (2) in which a parcel (already / still) is located, said mixed assembly (1) may include, for each of the doors (4) of the mailboxes (2), equipped with a lock (4') comprising, on the one hand, a mechanical lock (9) operable with a suitable key and, on the other hand, an electromechanical lock (9') or an electric actuator (9"), actuated selectively by a control element (8) upon opening, but also by the mechanical lock (9), a circuit (17) allowing the opening of a door (4) in question by means of the control element (8), following a first opening of that door (4) by means of that element (8), only after opening that door (4) by means of the mechanical lock (9) (see figure 17 ).

[0031] Furthermore, and in order to enable a mailbox owner (2) to prohibit the deposit of parcels in his mailbox, it may be provided that the mixed assembly (1) also includes, for each of the doors (4) of the mailboxes (2), a switching means (22) allowing to prevent, separately and individually for each mailbox (2), the supply of electricity to the mixed-action lock (4') of the door (4) concerned.

[0032] The invention also relates to a method of delivering at least one package by a postman or an authorized deliveryman at the level of a mixed set (1) as described above.

[0033] This method is characterized in that it essentially consists, for the authorized postman or delivery person, of interacting with the global access control and selective power supply module (1') to activate the power supply to the mixed-operated locks (4') of the mailboxes (2) and the electric lock (6") of the key box(es) (6), then, depending in particular on the size and / or nature of said at least one package, i) either to open the door (4) of the mailbox (2) of the owner receiving the package(s) by activating the corresponding opening control device (8) and depositing said at least one package there, ii) or to open the door (6') of the key box (6) (5") by activating the corresponding opening control device (7), and to take a key (5") from a free parcel box (3, 3', 3") suitable for the package(s) to be delivered,to deposit said at least one package in the box in question after opening its door and to deposit the aforementioned key (5") in the mailbox (2) of the owner receiving the package(s) by inserting it through the mail slot (4") in the door (4) of said mailbox (2).

[0034] This process also addresses the problem posed by the invention, at least in terms of ease of implementation and securing delivery.

[0035] Two variations of this process are illustrated on the figures 13 And 14 In each variant, both delivery options (mailbox or parcel box) are possible and illustrated by the two parallel branches.

[0036] The collection of a parcel by a recipient who owns a mailbox (and who may have been notified by email of the delivery of their parcel) is carried out either directly from their mailbox, or from a parcel box (among all the shared parcel boxes) that has been temporarily assigned to them, by providing them with a key (5") to open this parcel box. These two possibilities emerge from the two parallel branches of the organizational chart of the figure 15 .

[0037] The doors (4 and 6') of the letterboxes (2) and the key box (6) (5"), respectively, opened by means of the corresponding control device (7, 8), can be closed by simply pushing until the locking mechanism of the corresponding lock (4', 6") is engaged. The same applies to closing the doors (5) of the parcel boxes (3, 3', 3") when these are equipped with electric locks.

[0038] The doors (4) of the mailboxes (2) opened by the owners with their keys are closed using those keys. The same applies to the closing of the doors (5) of the parcel boxes (3, 3', 3") when the latter are equipped with mechanical locks (5') (preferred variant).

[0039] The conditional activation of the power supply to the mixed-operated locks (4') of the mailboxes (2) and the electric lock (6") of the key box(es) (6), via the global access control and selective power supply module (1'), corresponds substantially to the mechanical full opening (FO) function of a traditional set of mailboxes whose access doors are mounted on a common pivoting frame, but without the mixed set (1) according to the invention having such a common collective frame. One difference, however, lies in the fact that the doors must then still be individually opened by the delivery person by pressing the control elements (7, 8) when said doors are opened.

[0040] As shown by figure 16 The process advantageously implements a time-delay function to maintain the power supply to the mixed-actuated locks (4') of the mailboxes (2) and the electric lock (6") of the key box(es) (6), for a predetermined duration, after its activation by the global access control and selective power supply module (1').

[0041] The method according to the invention may, where appropriate individually for each mailbox (2), comprise two types of delivery process, at the owner's choice, namely a normal process and a secure process, known as "single delivery".

[0042] The "normal" delivery process of a parcel to a mailbox (2) can be explained using the figures 13 And 16 .

[0043] By following the steps of the figure 13 interpreted in relation to the figure 16 It is noted that, for mailboxes (2) where owners have authorized parcel delivery (by closing switch 22), the electrical circuit for opening the mailbox (2), which supplies the corresponding lock (4'), is powered by the source (24) when the switch associated with the global access control and selective power supply module (1') is closed. This global power supply to all mailboxes accepting parcel delivery is maintained for a predetermined duration by the timer circuit (23). By pressing the control device (8) on the door (4) of the mailbox (2) in question, the delivery person opens said door (4), deposits the parcel, and closes the door.

[0044] Alternatively, the method may consist, after opening the door (4) of a given mailbox (2) by means of the corresponding opening control device (8), of conditioning any further opening of this door (4) by means of this control device (8) on a mechanical opening of said door (4) by the owner of this mailbox (2) by means of his key, this functionality being able to be selectively activated by the owner of the mailbox concerned.

[0045] As a practical example, this process of delivering a parcel to a mailbox (2) with the implementation of the "single delivery" security can be explained using the figures 14 , 16 et 17 .

[0046] First, by following the steps of the figure 14 interpreted in relation to the figure 16 It is noted that, for mailboxes (2) where owners have authorized parcel drop-off (by closing switch 22), the electrical circuit for opening the mailbox (2) supplying the corresponding lock (4') is powered by the source (24) when the switch associated with the global access control and selective power supply module (1') is closed. This global power supply to all mailboxes accepting parcel drop-off is maintained for a predetermined duration by the timer circuit (23).

[0047] Next, by following the consecutive steps of the figure 14 interpreted in relation to the figure 17 It is noted that the door (4) in question is opened by means of the electrical component (9', 9") of the mixed-action lock (4') after pressing the associated control member (8). After the package is deposited, the closing of the door (4) is detected and activates a safety circuit (17) which cuts off the power supply to the electrical component (9', 9") of the lock (4'), while maintaining its own power supply (step: activation of the "single delivery" safety feature on the figure 14). This situation (impossibility of opening door 4 with control device 8) persists until the mechanical lock (9) is activated to open, which cuts off the power supply to the safety circuit (17) and thus allows conditional opening of door (4) again by means of the electrical component (9', 9") of the mixed-action lock (4') after the associated control device (8) is pressed (by the delivery person and after it is again powered by the source (24) through the switch associated with the global access control and selective power supply module (1'), and made conductive.

[0048] The power supply (24) may be a public or private network, or alternatively a battery or comparable electrical storage device, possibly combined with an autonomous generation system (solar panel, wind turbine, etc.). The global access control and selective power supply module (1') may optionally be powered separately by a battery.

[0049] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. Mixed assembly (1) of mailboxes (2) and parcel box(es) (3, 3', 3") comprising, associated with respective separate compartments, on the one hand, at least a plurality of individual mailboxes (2) or mailboxes each assigned to a specific owner and, on the other hand, at least one, preferably at least two, parcel box(es) (3, 3', 3") shared and temporarily assignable to an owner of one of the aforementioned mailboxes (2), the doors (4, 5) of the mailboxes (2) and parcel box(es) (3, 3', 3") having locks (4', 5') operable by keys and said mixed assembly (1) advantageously also comprising a human / machine interface (11) for command and control, mixed assembly (1) characterized in thatit includes a key box (6) for the return and storage of the key(s) (5") of the parcel box(es) (3, 3', 3"), this box (6) having an access door (6') equipped with an electric lock (6") with at least one control device (7) for opening, in that Each of the locks (4') on the doors (4) of the letterboxes (2), comprising a mechanical locking device (10), is also electrically operable at least when opening by means of a respective control device (8), and in that said mixed assembly (1) further includes a module (1') for global access control and selective power supply of the mixed-actuated locks (4') of the mailboxes (2) and the electric lock (6") of the key box(es) (6), the control elements (7 and 8) being advantageously of the contact, sensitive or pressure type.

2. Mixed assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe mixed-action locks (4') of the doors (4) of the letterboxes (2) each comprise, on the one hand, a mechanical lock (9) operable with a suitable key and, on the other hand, an electromechanical lock (9') or an electric actuator (9") controlled to open by a corresponding opening control element (8), each mixed-action lock (4') of a door (4) also comprising a mechanical locking element (10) for that door (4) in the closed position, which can be moved by means of the suitable key or the corresponding control element (8), at least to its open or release configuration or position.

3. Mixed assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in thatThe electromechanical lock (9') includes a trigger (19) for actuation on opening or release of the locking member (10), the mechanical lock (9) including a cam (20) capable of interacting with this trigger (19), the closing or engagement of the locking member (10) taking place automatically on the closing of the door (4) concerned.

4. Mixed assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The mixed-action lock (4') includes a locking element (10) in the form of a slide, the mechanical lock (9) and the electric actuator (9") comprising a respective cam (20, 20') kinematically connected to said slide (10), the latter being able to be moved into the locking position and into the unlocking position by the mechanical lock (9) or the electric actuator (9"), by the latter where appropriate automatically after the elapsed time following the closing of the door (4) concerned.

5. Mixed assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The human / machine interface (11) comprises, on the one hand, the control element (7) of the access door (6') of the key box (6) (5"), and / or, on the other hand, the module (1') for global access control and selective power supply of the locks (4') of the mailboxes (2) and of the electric lock (6") of the key box(es) (6), this interface (11) being advantageously constructively integrated into said mixed assembly (1), for example in a compartment (21) having the dimensions of a mailbox (2).

6. Mixed assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the electrical control devices (8) for the opening of the doors (4) of the different mailboxes (2) are either all grouped at the level of the man / machine interface (11) of said mixed assembly (1), or each mounted individually on the door (4) whose opening it controls.

7. Mixed assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the access door (6') of the key box (6) for the return and storage of the key(s) (5") of the parcel box(es) (3, 3', 3") has at least one opening (12) for the insertion of at least one type of key (5") into the box (6) and in that said case (6) contains at least one device (13) for the orderly reception, and possibly the transfer, preferably guided and advantageously aided by gravity, of each key (9) having passed through the corresponding opening (12), and in that The device (13), and the key(s) (5") which it may contain, is accessible only in the open state of the access door (6') of the key box (6), the extraction of a key (5") from the device (13) taking place at a position offset vertically downwards relative to the opening (12) for inserting the key(s).

8. Mixed assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that Each key (5") for parcel box (3, 3', 3"), consisting of a key for a mechanical lock or a badge for an electronic lock depending on the type of locks (5') fitted to the doors (5) of the parcel boxes (3, 3', 3"), is associated with a key fob (14), preferably with at least one informational message or indication, signaling the presence of a parcel in the parcel box (3, 3', 3") corresponding to that key (5") and advantageously providing the identification of the parcel box (3, 3', 3") concerned, said key fob (14) being able to further include an additional message inviting the key (5") concerned to be returned to the key box (6) after collection of the parcel.

9. Mixed assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in thatit includes at least two types or formats of parcel boxes (3 and 3'), where appropriate at least three types or formats of parcel boxes (3, 3' and 3"), for example of different sizes, and as many different types of keys (5"), and in that an orderly receiving and key transfer device (13) is provided for each type or format of parcel box (3, 3'), the key or keys (5") of each type of parcel box (3, 3', 3") being assembled with a corresponding particular type of key ring (14), advantageously forming a key-proof device.

10. Mixed assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises at least two distinct types of key ring (14) having different shapes and / or at least one different dimension(s), each type of key ring being associated with a type or format of parcel box (3, 3', 3"), and in thatthe access door (6') of the key box (6) has as many entry openings (12) as there are distinct types of key fob (14), each opening (12) having a shape allowing the passage of only one type of key fob (14) and cooperating with an associated orderly receiving and proper transfer device (13).

11. Mixed assembly (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that Each key fob (14) is in the form of a token or a plate, preferably of rounded or circular shape, this token or plate forming the body of the badge for electronic lock or having a housing in which the key for mechanical lock can be retracted, for example by pivoting and / or translation.

12. Mixed assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in thatthe module (1') for global access control and selective power supply of the locks (4') of the mailboxes (2) and of the electric lock (6") of the key box(es) (6), forming part of the human / machine interface (11) for the control and monitoring of the mixed assembly (1), is mounted, with the key box (6) and / or with the remote electrical control devices (8) for the doors (4') of the different mailboxes (2), and advantageously with means (15) for powering the mixed assembly (1), in a compartment (21) integrated into this mixed assembly (1).

13. Mixed assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 characterized in thatthe global access control and selective power supply module (1') includes at least one means from a numeric keypad (18), a contact or contactless reader (18'), a biometric reader, an optical reader, for example for QR code, a receiver for secure transmission by short-range radio wave, a receiver for secure transmission by light or sound waves and a secure lock (18") for a universal key of the "Postal Pass" type.

14. Mixed assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the doors (4) of the letter boxes (2) and the access door (6') of the key box (6), as well as possibly the doors (5) of the parcel boxes (3, 3', 3"), in particular when equipped with electric locks, shall include at least one means (16) of automatic ejection of the door (4, 5, 6') concerned upon opening, for example electric, pneumatic or spring.

15. Mixed assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it also includes, for each of the doors (4) of the letter boxes (2), equipped with a lock (4') comprising, on the one hand, a mechanical lock (9) operable with a suitable key and, on the other hand, an electromechanical lock (9') or an electric actuator (9"), which can be selectively operated by a control element (8) for opening, but also by the mechanical lock (9), a circuit (17) which only allows the opening of a door (4) considered by means of the control element (8), following a first opening of this door (4) by means of this element (8), after opening of this door (4) by means of the mechanical lock (9).

16. Mixed assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in thatIt also includes, for each of the doors (4) of the mailboxes (2), a switching means (22) allowing the power supply to be prevented, separately and individually for each mailbox (2), from supplying power to the mixed-action lock (4') of the door (4) concerned.

17. Method of delivering at least one parcel by an authorized postman or delivery person at the level of a mixed set (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in thatIt essentially consists, for the postman or authorized deliveryman, of interacting with the global access control and selective power supply module (1') to activate the power supply to the mixed-operated locks (4') of the mailboxes (2) and the electric lock (6") of the key box(es) (6), then, depending in particular on the size and / or nature of said at least one package, i) either to open the door (4) of the mailbox (2) of the owner receiving the package(s) by activating the corresponding opening control device (8) and deposit said at least one package there, ii) or to open the door (6') of the key box (6) (5") by activating the corresponding opening control device (7), and to take a key (5") from a free parcel box (3, 3', 3") suitable for the package(s) to be delivered,to deposit said at least one package in the box in question after opening its door and to deposit the aforementioned key (5") in the mailbox (2) of the owner receiving the package(s) by inserting it through the mail slot (4") in the door (4) of said mailbox (2).

18. Delivery method according to claim 17, characterized in that It consists, after an opening of the door (4) of a given mailbox (2) by means of the corresponding opening control device (8), of conditioning any new opening of this door (4) by means of this control device (8) to a mechanical opening of said door (4) by the owner of this mailbox (2) by means of his key, this functionality being able to be selectively activated by the owner of the mailbox concerned.

19. Delivery method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in thatIt implements a timer function to maintain the power supply to the mixed-operated locks (4') of the mailboxes (2) and the electric lock (6") of the key box(es) (6), for a predetermined duration, after its activation by the global access control and selective power supply module (1').

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